Operator News
Chile – Chillan casino licence finally awarded to Marina del Sol
By Phil - 23 August 2016
After more than two years of controversy and legal wrangling in the courts the licensing process for the casino in the city of Chillán is finally over.
The Resolution Council of the Chilean Gaming Board (SJC) ruled against Spanish Argentine consortium Boldt Perlada and awarded the licence to Chilean-Canadian operator Marina del Sol.
In a statement the Council said that it had moved forward with the “controversial process of the granting of the licence in Chillán having considered that the conditions were in place to continue with this process which was suspended on 25 August 2015.” Having looked at all of the issues in question the council said that it had “unanimously decided” to grant the casino to Marina del Sol Chillán SA.
According to the statement the SJC: “Will carry out the administrative measures necessary to comply with the decision of the Deciding Council such as issuing the Exempt Resolution which grants the operating permit and publishing it in el Diario Oficial (Chile’s Government gazette).” A more detailed explanation regarding the decision made by the council will be forthcoming at a later date according to the statement.
The panel had been convened to settle the bidding for the vacant license for once and for all. The tender process for the casino in Chillán has been delayed for over two years as both Boldt Peralada and Marina del Sol have battled it out over the licence in both the courts and in the Regional Council. Investment for the the Marina del Sol project will amount to US$56.3m. The casino will house 450 slot machines, 20 gaming tables and a bingo hall with 68 seats. The complex will also include a wide range of other amenities including a five star hotel. Marina del Sol will have two years in which to build the casino and have it up and running while they will have additional three years to complete additional works.
